(iTers News) - The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), representing U.S. leadership in semiconductor manufacturing and design, today announced that worldwide sales of semiconductors reached US$27.24 billion for the month of November 2013, an increase of 6.8% over November 2012 when sales were US$25.51 billion and an uptick of 0.6% over the previous month's total. The global industry notched its ninth consecutive month of increasing sales in November, led largely by the Americas, which grew by 18.6% year-over-year and 4.2% month-over-month. All monthly sales numbers are compiled by the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) organization and represent a three-month moving average.

"Buoyed by sustained growth in the Americas and Asia Pacific and a recent rebound in Europe and Japan, the global semiconductor industry has shown increasing strength in 2013 and is on pace for record revenue," said Brian Toohey, president and CEO, Semiconductor Industry Association. "With solid momentum across all regions and most product categories, the industry is well-positioned for a strong start to the new year."

Regionally, sequential monthly sales increased in the Americas (4.2 %), Europe (2.0%), and Japan (0.1%), but fell slightly in Asia Pacific (-1.0%). Compared to November 2012, sales increased in the Americas (18.6%), Europe (10.9%), and Asia Pacific (5.5%). Sales in Japan decreased (-8.8%) compared to November 2012, in part due to the devaluation of the Japanese yen, but the region has been closer to last year's pace in recent months.

(Credit: Semiconductor Industry Association)